Athlete Q&A: Gar Chatain

You captured your 100th career win this month with a pin against Alfred-Almond. What does that milestone mean to you?

Wrestling is a huge commitment, so itís just kind of the culmination of all the practices you go to, and all the matches you go to, really never giving up and never quitting when it gets really hard.

Was 100 wins a goal that you set for yourself?

It was definitely a goal. I think when I was in 9th grade Ryan Hoyt got his 100th win. He was a sectional champion and was just a great wrestler, probably the best wrestler to come through Arkport. I tried to model my wrestling style after him.

Did getting that win at home make it even more special?

That was awesome. My grandparents were there, all my family was there. There was a lot of emotion at home. It was a lot of fun.

As you look back on your career thus far, does any other match stand out in your memory?

I had a match at home two years ago against Colin Johnson. Heís a really good wrestler from Alfred-Almond. My coach wanted me to bump up a weight class to wrestle him. I ended up winning with like two seconds left. I just got a reversal and ended up winning that match at home. That was a really good match. It was awesome.

Is there anybody that you look forward to wrestling throughout the season?

The guy to beat in my weight class this year is definitely Ryan Marriott from Fillmore. Heís real good on his feet, and just a monster on top. At sectionals Iím definitely going to be gunning for him.

You mentioned Ryan Hoyt. Is he a wrestler that you looked up to and tried to emulate?

That would definitely be Ryan Hoyt. He had all the skills. He had the work ethic, and he was just a really great role model and leader on the team.

What are your goals for the rest of this season?

Iím looking for that sectional title. Then itís on to Supers, and Iíll see how I can do at Supers. States might be a little bit out of my range, but you have to dream big.

What is something about the sport of wrestling that people on the outside may not realize?

I donít think they really know how tiring it is to wrestle a six-minute match. In these other sports like soccer youíre running back and forth and youíve kind of got a few minutes to catch your breath if youíre not in the play. In wrestling youíve got to go hard for the whole two minutes, then you get like a 10 second break and youíre right back at it. Itís really physically and mentally exhausting.

What are your plans for after high school?

Currently Iím in the process of applying to the Naval Academy.?Thatís my first choice.

ó compiled by Chris Potter

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